Light diffusing device with light-guide cables and cable terminal

Abstract

A light-transmission device includes an elongated cylindrical member bounding an internal passage and having an open end and an opposite end which defines a first socket, and a light source received in the internal passage and which extends from the open end towards the opposite end of the elongated cylindrical member. The device further includes a cable terminal which tightly surrounds a plurality of light-conductive cables. The ends of the cables are trimmed and maintained in a plane at a light-impinging end of the terminal. The cable terminal and the elongated cylindrical member are connected together by a connecting member which has an end defining a second socket which receives the light-impinging end of the cable terminal and an opposite end having a plurality of engaging portions which extend into and engage the first socket.

I claim: 
     
       1. A light-transmission device, comprising an elongated cylindrical member bounding an internal passage and having an open end and an opposite end defining a first socket; light source means received in said passage and extending from said open end of said elongated cylindrical member towards said opposite end thereof; a cable terminal tightly surrounding a plurality of light-conductive cables, said cables having exposed ends which are held in fixed position at a light-impinging end of said terminal; and a connecting member for interconnecting said terminal and said elongated cylindrical member, said connecting member having an end defining a second socket which receives said light-impinging end of said terminal, and an opposite end having a plurality of engaging portions extending into and engaging said first socket. 
     
     
       2. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said elongated cylindrical member has an axis and a mounting plate, and wherein said opposite end defining a first socket has a flange portion extending radially inwardly at least in part towards said axis. 
     
     
       3. A device as defined in claim 2, wherein said connecting member is generally cylindrical, and wherein said engaging portions comprise a plurality of projections distributed about the periphery of said opposite end of said connecting member and extending radially outwardly at least in part of said axis, said projections engaging said flange portion of said elongated cylindrical member. 
     
     
       4. A device as defined in claim 3; and further comprising a circlip surrounding said projections. 
     
     
       5. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said end of said connecting member defining a second socket has a first constricted portion and an adjacent outwardly-flaring portion, and wherein said cable terminal has a second constricted portion at its light-impinging end, said first constricted portion overlying said second constricted portion for securing said cable terminal to said connecting member when the former is inserted into the outwardly-flaring portion of the latter. 
     
     
       6. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said connecting member is cylindrical and of resiliently elastic material, and wherein said connecting member has longitudinal slits extending at least in part in the direction of its elongation. 
     
     
       7. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said exposed ends of said cables are positioned and maintained in a fixed plane at said light-impinging end. 
     
     
       8. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said light source means comprises a light bulb and an electrical socket supporting said light bulb. 
     
     
       9. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said elongated cylindrical member, said cable terminal and said connecting member are of metallic material.